world, even the heavenly Canaan ; and called them to take possession of it as his special gift, through the merits and mediation of his Son Jesus Christ"^. The manner of taking possession of it also he has ordained, even by faith in Christ ; by whose blood they shall be justified, and by whose Spirit they shall be renewed. All this will faith regard as unalter- ably fixed in the Divine counsels ; so that those who possess the first-fruits here, shall infallibly reap the harvest of salva- tion in a better world''.]
2. His perfections as unbounded —
[Whilst she was convinced that his power was irresistible, she, though of an accursed race and of an abandoned character, had no doubt but that God's mercy would extend even to her, if she sought it with her whole heart. Hence of her own accord she received, and hid, the spies, and dismissed them in peace, in hopes that she and her family might be spared: and all the security she required was, an oath in Jehovah's name, that no evil should be inflicted on her, when the threatened vengeance should be poured out on all beside. And is she not here also an example to us? Yes: by faith we must survey him in all his glorious perfections : we must view him as a God of all grace, whose mercy is infinite; who delights in the exercise of mercy; who "waits to be gracious" to the very chief of sinners, " keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin," and following them with this tender expostulation, " Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways ; for why will ye die, O house of Israel ? " " As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live." To this our faith should have especial respect ; because it is our great encourage- ment to seek his face. To know that " the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse from all sin ;" that " whosoever cometh to God by him shall in no wise be cast out;" and that " where sin has abounded, grace shall much more abound ;" to know this, I say, and to realize it by faith, is the richest consolation which a broken-hearted sinner can enjoy. At the same time we should, like her, assure ourselves, that " God's counsels shall stand, and that he will do all his will :" we should bear in mind the records of his former interpositions, and from them be convinced that " there is no wisdom, nor under- standing, nor counsel against the Lord^." Theoretically indeed we do acknowledge this: but how few feel it practically! How few are so impressed with the idea as to despair of escaping his wrath, but by casting away the weapons of their rebellion, and laying hold on his proffered mercy !]
d Rom. vi. 23. « 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. f Prov. xxi. 30.